Anecdotes

Although he was instrumental in the rebuilding of the Globe Theatre in London, England, he did not get to see the theatre's grand opening in 1997, having died of prostate cancer four years earlier.

In 1993 he was awarded an honorary CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to the Globe Theater.

Served in the US army from 1943-46.

Father, with Charlotte Holland, of daughters Abby Wanamaker, Jessica Wanamaker and actress Zoë Wanamaker.

After learning that he had been blacklisted during the "Red Scare" period of the late 1940s-1950s after filming L'assassin court toujours (1951) in the U.K., he stayed and settled in England.

In 1994 he was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award: Society of London Theatre's Special Award for Lifetime Achievement (1993 season).

In the 1970s he and actress Jan Sterling entered into a relationship, and although they never married, they stayed together until his death in 1993.

He was portrayed in the film Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019) by Nicholas Hammond in scenes recreating his direction of the pilot episode for the short-lived western series Le ranch L (1968).

Last directorial credit was Grandes manoeuvres et petits soldats (1989) circa 1988 production filmed in USA. Simultaneous to early plans regarding The Rose and The Globe Theatre projects. Several cast participated in attending supportive events spanning up to 1998. Scenes were screened on overhead projector on street based stage, for introduction and as memorial tribute to many international performers present.

In 1987 he founded the International Shakespeare Globe Centre, used to advance two projects. Construction of The Globe Theater, Bankside, Southwark, London. Secondly to support the protection of the archaeological remains of The Rose Theatre, whose details were vital to recreation of The Globe.

Born in Chicago, and starred in Le Contrat (1986) which was filmed on location there.

Uncle of Marc Wanamaker.